Online and Phone Family Support Group
2022-05-10 18:30 - 19:30, 2022-05-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-05-17 18:30 - 19:30, 2022-05-19 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-05-24 18:30 - 19:30, 2022-05-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2022-05-31 18:30 - 19:30, 2022-06-02 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) and 12 more dates | Zoom Video Conference, NY, United States
Online and Phone Family Support Group
At Family Resource Network, we recognize that during these difficult times, families of individuals with special needs are facing unique challenges and may feel even more isolated While we can’t meet in-person to support one another, we invite you to join us for online support groups. These will be conducted through Zoom Meetings, and families may participate online or by phone. We are offering these groups as an opportunity for families to form connections, support, and learn from each other. We will be offering two groups per week: one morning and one evening.
Registration is required.
Registration Link
For questions, or to participate by phone, please call Terry at (607)438-3978.
***Support Groups are funded by a grant from the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. Self-directing families will need to add “training groups” to their budgets. Please contact Robin at (607)287-6358 for assistance adding this program to your budget.

Attorney Training: Lease Restrictive Environment and Inclusion
2022-05-11 09:30 - 11:30
Please Join the Family Resource Network for an Attorney Training on:
Least Restrictive Environment and Inclusion
Wednesday, May 11, 2022
9:30-11:30 am
Online
Your child with a disability has the right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). This means that schools must, to the maximum extent appropriate, educate students with special needs in the regular classroom along with their non-disabled peers in the same school they would attend if they did not have special needs (Inclusion).
About our Speaker: Patrick G. Radel, Esq. is a partner with the law firm of Getnick Livingston Atkinson and Priore, LLP, in Utica, New York. He received his law degree summa cum laude from the University at Buffalo Law School, where he served as Executive Editor of the Buffalo Law Review. Mr. Radel’s practice includes representing families of students with disabilities at CSE meetings, due process proceedings, and in federal court.
***Registration Required***
To register online please follow the link below:
Registration Form
To register by phone, call the Family Resource Network at 432-0001.
***This training is provided through a grant from OPWDD. Self-directing families must add “Advocacy” to their budgets prior to attending. Please contact Robin at (607)287-6358 for assistance adding this program to your self-direction budget.***

Nurturing Parenting Training: Helping Children Cope with Change, Grief, and Loss
2022-05-18 06:00 - 20:00
Please join the Family Resource Network for a training on:
Helping Children Cope with Change, Grief, and Loss
Presenters: Robin Piefer and Terry DiLuzio, Nurturing Parenting Facilitators
This single session of the Nurturing Parenting for Parents of Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges will focus on:

Grief and Resilience
How to provide Transition Support for Grief – the five P’s
The Developmental Stages and Responses to Grief
Activities to help reinforce what you learn

The Nurturing Program for parents and Their Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges is designed to help families explore their hopes and fears, develop effective parenting skills, enhance communication, develop strategies for facing challenges and recognize opportunities for celebration and growth.
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
6-8 pm
Online
This is an interactive workshop and participants are encouraged to keep their cameras and microphones on during the session with the presenters. We do understand that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to the use of video conferencing.
***Registration Required***
To register online, please follow the link below. To register by phone, call the Family Resource Network at 432-0001.
Registration Form
***This training is funded by the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. Self-Directing families will need to add “Training Groups” to their budgets. Please contact Robin at (607)287-6358 for assistance adding this program to your budget.***

TS/DD Virtual Cook-a-Long: Spaghetti Dinner
2022-05-19 17:00 - 18:30
Please join the Family Resource Network Teen Scene and Dragon Dates Programs for our upcoming event
Virtual Cook-a-Long: Spaghetti Dinner!
Thursday, May 19th
5:00pm-6:30pm
Online via ZOOM
The Family Resource Network is excited for this month’s virtual cook-a-long! For May we will be cooking a hearty Spaghetti dinner together! FRN will lead participants through a recipe for homemade tomato sauce to be served over pasta and garlic knots and we will supply the ingredients! Please register by Monday, May 16th in order to receive your free supply kit. If you live within 10 miles of the Family Resource Network office it can be delivered. If you live farther away, you can schedule a time to pick up the kit.
Registration is required
To register please follow the link below:
Registration Form
The age range for Teen Scene events has been expanded and these will be open to any school aged youth in Otsego, Delaware and Chenango County. Dragon Dates events are for individuals with OPWDD eligibility living in the family home in Broome, Chenango, Otsego, Delaware, Tioga or Tompkins County.
Questions? Call FRN at 607-432-0001 and ask for Kristin.

Workshop: Taking Care of You
2022-05-20 09:00 - 11:00
Please Join the Family Resource Network and Starbridge for a Training on:
Taking Care of You
Friday, May 20, 2022
9:00-11:00 am
Online
Caregivers and professionals in the human services field can benefit from real, honest conversations about the personal impacts of providing care and support to a person who has a disability. Learn to recognize and reduce stressors, as well as increase self-awareness about your role and responsibilities. The goal is to create more balance and resilience so we can continue to give our best to those we love and support.
Participants will:

Increase awareness of personal barriers to wellness and balance
Learn strategies and steps to help create more work-life balance
Identify ways to nurture your health and develop resiliency

About our Speaker: Kara Georgi is the Parent Education Specialist for Starbridge Parent Training and Information Center. She offers support and information for families and professionals navigating the special education system in Cayuga, Tompkins, Onondaga, Cortland, Broome, Madison, Chenango, Otsego and Delaware Counties.
Registration is required.
To register online please follow the link below. To register by phone, call the Family Resource Network at 432-0001.
Registration Form
***This training is provided through a grant from OPWDD. Self-directing families must add “Training Groups” to their budgets prior to attending. Please contact Robin at (607)287-6358 for assistance adding this program to your self-direction budget.***

Upcoming Workshop: Supplemental Needs Trusts and Guardianship
2022-05-25 09:00 - 12:00
Please Join the Family Resource Network for our Upcoming Workshop:
Supplemental Needs Trusts and Guardianship
Presented by Greg Catarella, Esq.
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
9a-12p
(Online via Zoom)
Have questions about setting up Trusts for your loved ones?
Need advice about setting up a plan for a Guardianship?
Join us for an informational workshop presented by
Greg Catarella and gain valuable information pertaining to financial planning for the future of your
loved one with a disability.
Greg S. Catarella, Esq., is licensed to practice law in the State of New York. He concentrates his law practice in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning and Administration, Trusts, and Guardianships. For over 20 years, Greg has been helping clients and their families find peace of mind in a world that is unnecessarily complex.
***Registration Required***
You can register online by following the link below:
Registration Form
For assistance with registration or for questions please call Terry at 607-287-3816.
***This workshop is funded through a grant from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Self-directing families will need to add “Training Groups” to their budgets prior to attending. Please contact FRN for assistance adding this to your budget.***

TS/DD Gardening Series Part 3: Transplanting and Beginning Our Gardens Outdoors
2022-06-09 17:00 - 18:30
Please join the Family Resource Network Teen Scene and Dragon Dates Programs for our upcoming event
Transplanting and Beginning our Gardens Outdoors
Thursday, June 9th
5:00pm-6:30pm
Online via Zoom
Join FRN for Part 3 of our virtual gardening series! It is now time to transition our plants to the outdoors. Some of you may be using raised beds/buckets/pots while others may choose to transplant your plants directly into the ground. We will go over both, as well as talk about some other plants you may want to start directly from seeds now! Leading up to this event you will want to acclimate your baby plants to the outdoor environment. Each day for about a week prior to this event (weather permitting…don’t put them out if its overly windy, raining really hard) place your plants outdoors in natural sunlight for several hours. More detailed instructions will be provided on this process during our May 9th Transplanting Event.
*If you did not participate in Part 1 or 2 or your baby plants didn’t grow as expected, that’s ok! You can still participate in this event!*
**In order to receive the free supply kit prior to event participants must register by Friday, June 3rd**
Registration is required
To register please follow the link below:
Registration Form
The age range for Teen Scene events has been expanded and these will be open to any school aged youth in Otsego, Delaware and Chenango County. Dragon Dates events are for individuals with OPWDD eligibility living in the family home in Broome, Chenango, Otsego, Delaware, Tioga or Tompkins County.
Questions? Call FRN at 607-432-0001 and ask for Kristin.

Attitude of Gratitude: Improving Your Advocacy Outcomes
2022-06-14 09:00 - 11:00
Attitude of Gratitude: Improving Your Advocacy Outcomes

The expression of gratitude can have a positive influence in your life and in the lives of others with whom you interact. Presenters will share what research reveals on the relationship between gratitude practices and both mental and physical well-being. Participants will learn how optimism can be used to navigate difficult situations and improve advocacy outcomes.

Learn the benefits of gratitude and optimism
Practice expressing gratitude in challenging situations

Tuesday, June 14, 2022
9:00-11:00 am
Online

About our Speaker: Kara Georgi is the Parent Education Specialist for Starbridge Parent Training and Information Center. She offers support and information for families and professionals navigating the special education system in Cayuga, Tompkins, Onondaga, Cortland, Broome, Madison, Chenango, Otsego and Delaware Counties.

***This training is provided through a grant from OPWDD. Self-directing families will need to add “Advocacy” to their budgets prior to attending. Please contact Robin at (607)287-6358 for assistance adding this program to your budget.***
Registration is required.
To register online, please follow the link below. To register by phone, call the Family Resource Network at 432-0001
Registration Form

Nurturing Parenting Training: Sibling Support: What About Me?
2022-06-22 18:00 - 20:00
Please join the Family Resource Network for our Virtual Nurturing Parenting:
Nurture Hope-The Nurturing Program for Parents of Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges:
Sibling Support: What About Me?
Siblings of children with special needs face additional challenges themselves, and it can be challenging for families to know how to meet their needs. The Family Resource Network will be offering this single session workshop presented by Robin Piefer and Terry DiLuzio, Education Advocates and trained facilitators focusing on positive parenting of children diagnosed with special needs or health challenges.
The Nurturing Program for parents and Their Children with Special Needs and Health Challenges is designed to help families explore their hopes and fears, develop effective parenting skills, enhance communication, develop strategies for facing challenges and recognize opportunities for celebration and growth
Wednesday, 06/22/2022
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom
Registration is required. To register please follow the link below:
Registration Form
***This workshop is funded through a grant from the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Self-directing families will need to add “Training Groups” to their budgets prior to attending. Please contact FRN for assistance adding this to your budget.***

TS/DD Virtual Cook-a-Long: Stir-Fry
2022-06-27 17:00 - 18:30
Please join the Family Resource Network Teen Scene and Dragon Dates Programs for our upcoming event: Virtual Cook-a-Long: Stir-Fry
Monday, June 27th
5:00pm-6:30pm
Online via ZOOM
The Family Resource Network is excited for this month’s virtual cook-a-long! FRN will lead participants through a Vegetable Stir-fry recipe and we will supply the ingredients! Please register by Wednesday, June 22nd in order to receive your free supply kit. If you live within 10 miles of the Family Resource Network office it can be delivered. If you live farther away, you can schedule a time to pick up the kit.
Registration is required
To register please follow the link below:
Registration Form
The age range for Teen Scene events has been expanded and these will be open to any school aged youth in Otsego, Delaware and Chenango County. Dragon Dates events are for individuals with OPWDD eligibility living in the family home in Broome, Chenango, Otsego, Delaware, Tioga or Tompkins County.
Questions? Call FRN at 607-432-0001 and ask for Kristin.
With the need for physical distancing, Family Resource Network Teen Scene and Dragon Dates will continue hosting virtual events via Zoom . When the weather permits and we are able to safely meet outdoors we are excited to offer in-person events as well!

Sexuality and Developmental Disabilities: A Workshop for Parents and Guardians
2022-07-13 18:00 - 19:30
Please join the Family Resource Network for our upcoming workshop
Sexuality and Developmental Disabilities: A Workshop for Parents and Guardians
Wednesday, July 13
6:00-7:30 pm
Online
Talking with our young and grown children about sexuality can be a difficult task. As parents and guardians, we often worry whether talking about it gives permission and whether they can be safe from harm when they are in relationships.
This workshop will help you become more comfortable discussing this topic by covering what topics to cover when and the most effective ways to talk about this sensitive topic.
Learning Objectives:

Examine barriers to talking about sexuality.
Gain knowledge about sexuality and developmental disabilities.
Acquire and practice skills in communicating about sexuality with our young and grown children.

Our presenter: Beth Sola is a Special Educator, Parent Educator, and has a son with I/DD who is 28 years old. She has led many workshops on Talking with your Child about Sexuality.
Registration is required.
To register please follow the link below. For more information or for assistance in registering, please call Terry at (607)287-3816.
Registration Form
***This training is provided through a grant from OPWDD. Self-directing families will need to add Training Groups” to their budgets. For assistance in adding this program to your budget, please contact Robin at (607)287-6358.***
